One Year, One Hundred Women’s Stories

After the election results last week, I received many texts, phone calls, and Facebook messages that the world needed The Notable Woman now more than ever.

Meh, I thought.

I didn’t know if I agreed. Half the country didn’t even vote in this election. While I am sure a percentage of that half was disenfranchised, the majority didn’t think this election or their vote mattered enough to be bothered. Of the other half of the electorate, slightly more than half voted for one side and slightly less than half voted for the other.

Could we possibly be more divided?

People worrying about whether or not their marriage will become second class are told not to worry. Really? Why shouldn’t they? Rural communities are economically suffering, and they’re hurting. They feel like no one cares about them. The other side says my pain is worse than yours. This is the United States of America.

United? Never less so.

Even on the same side, people attack each other. You should be protesting; you shouldn’t be. Protesting is your constitutional right; your protest is interrupting my day. Wear a safety pin to show you’re for the safety of others; wearing a safety pin is an ineffective white entitled way of pretending you’re doing something.

All this division makes me hurt. I have this annoying “strength” according to Clifton’s Strengthsfinder of seeing that people are connected and more the same than not (Connectedness and Includer). In times like these, this definitely feels more like a weakness.

And so my friends said, “We need you.”

Uh huh.

And my buddy Shelly Robinson says, “You lead with love and understand people so well and that’s why you’re hurting so bad.”

And what kept popping into my head is 100 women’s stories. 100 women’s stories. Okay, why? Why? Why would 100 women’s stories make any difference at all? And what came into my head is that you can’t hate the person you know. And how do you know people but by hearing their stories? Of course, with this idea, the most important part is that the 100 women truly represent the make-up of the world. Gay, straight, transgender. Black, white, Asian, Indian, and more. Rich and poor. Doctors and women with life experience as their job training. Christians, Jews, Muslims. Women who like the Cowboys, even (thinking about Nicole Mustaccio here).

I tossed this idea at a few people. They liked it. I read a great article in The Washington Post about Professor Kathy Cramer’s work with rural communities in Wisconson. She ended with, “It’s the act of being with other people that establishes the sense that we actually are all in this together.” Yes! You are never more with someone than when you hear her story. And also, the act of listening to someone’s voice and REALLY hearing them is an intimate act. When I listen to someone on a podcast, I feel like I really know them.

“Fear and separation are a pattern that must be interrupted on a moment-to-moment basis.”

“Knowing that you are one with the Universe means that you accept that you’re not more special than or separate from others.”

“The pathway back to hope is through surrender. It’s not something that comes naturally to us- it must be a daily practice.”

Slowly, I was coming around to a better place. And then in Chapter 12, Bernstein stresses what Shelly told me almost a week ago – Lead with love.

And so that my friends is what I am going to do. And also, I don’t judge what you decide to do. We each have that choice.

What I need from you is my 100 women. I’ve got several ideas in mind, but together, we can put together stories that will unite and heal in ways that only stories can. Also, as a college educated woman, most of the people I know are college educated women. I don’t get out much. I need your help.

Much love,

Cristin

XOXO

[Edit: Obviously, the difference in vote totals has shifted from anything but “slight” since I first wrote this.]

Liz Ortiz at Cedar Crest College is a women’s college professor of media and communications, small business owner, mother to 3 girls, social justice mentor, community advocate, and all around amazing person. (Also very camera ready, if you know what i mean 😉 ). She’d made a fantastic 1 of your 100!

“And how do you know people but by hearing their stories.” So true, simple, and powerful. Hearing their stories allow us to see ourselves. We are all connected. Thank you for this message. Excited for you and this movement. How can I help 🙂

Hi! I enjoyed reading this. Well, I don’t know if “enjoy” is exactly the right word, but it was nice to hear some of the same thoughts I have been thinking. I agree with the previous comment about how we should all learn to “lead with love”. I’m having a hard time with this election as many are. I’m not sure exactly what I could offer, but let me know if you are still looking for your 100, and how I can help.

I love this idea. My intuition and heart say the reason you are called to tell these stories is because many of us live a lifetime with stories that are untold and unheard. We walk through the hallways of life with very few people to witness our stories. You are being called to lead by sharing. Congratulations on answering your call!

p.s. I love stories. I have quite a few to tell and would love to connect. I know lot of women, as well! Though like you – most are college educated.

I love this idea and would love to be a part of it! My work is all about bringing human stories together, healing, and making the world a better place. Check out my website http://www.infuse.gallery and let me know if I would be a fit for you!

Mind blown – I absolutely LOVE this idea! How can I help to assist reaching millions!?

I’d love to participate and share my personal story. Feel free to read my first two posts on my blog. They represent a good summation of what I’ve endured in my young life. http://www.darkerstormbrighterrainbows.com In short, I suffered for nearly 6 years trying to conceive while enduring recurrent miscarriage (4 babies lost). I currently stand on the other side of the infertility battle pregnant with twins, conceived via IVF. I hope you think my story is a good fit.

What an amazing post, Cristin. Thank you for sharing your message and choosing to Lead with Love. I would be honored to share my story as well! Looking forward to seeing the magic you create with your Divine Assignment!